How to cut the cord, cancel your TV service and keep your internet

Woman controlling tv set with digital tablet

Canceling or transferring your internet service can be a hassle if you don’t plan ahead, but what if you just want to cut the cable cord? What if the savings on your current TV and internet bundle aren’t worth it? Sometimes it’s just time to cancel certain services — like cable — and we can help.

Canceling your TV plan while holding onto the same internet service can start out straightforward enough — check your ISP’s website or call a customer service agent to get the ball rolling — but there are a few important things to know before you get started.

We’ve got the easiest ways to cancel that cable bill but keep your internet service, while going over important details like early termination fees.

Cut the cord, cancel TV service and keep your internet

If you’ve decided it’s time to cut the cord but stick with your ISP, the first thing you should do is review your contract. Some providers like Spectrum offer services with no contract requirements, but others can lock customers into year-long agreements that come with early termination fees if you try to cancel before the contract is up.

• Or call Spectrum directly at 1-877-680-2218

Search your contract for any mention of an early termination fee. Depending on your contract, these can be anywhere from a minor nuisance to a hefty charge that would make for an unpleasant surprise, so it’s better to look this up first instead of finding out after cancellation. Xfinity subscribers, for example, will have to wrestle with an early termination fee that boils down to $10 per month for any months left over on a one-year contract.

• Or call Xfinity directly at 1-855-387-4701

So, if you’ve just renewed your contract and decide to cut the cord two months in, there could be a $220 fee standing between you and your new Xfinity internet plan. So it can be prudent to time your switch, so you’re canceling TV service toward the end of your annual contract.

After you refresh yourself on the specifics of your ISP contract, or lack thereof, it’s time to reach out to your provider for help canceling service. Check your ISP’s website first to see if you can cancel online; filling out a digital form or chatting with a representative online can be easier than trying to cancel by phone.

What is the quickest and easiest way to cancel TV service?

Canceling your TV and keeping internet service isn’t a difficult task, but it may be time consuming if you have to call your ISP directly. Your main goal is to cancel your current plan and sign up for standalone internet service. This may result in a higher monthly charge for internet service, but your total bill is likely to be lower still without the addition of a TV plan — chat with an ISP rep before getting started if you have any questions about your new monthly costs.

Since most providers require you to call customer service to change or cancel service, the easiest way is to call in when you have some time set aside during the day. Once you get a hold of a representative, mention that you want to cancel your TV service. You will likely be transferred to a different department to finish the process.

Here are some things to expect when calling to cancel your TV service:

• A representative may try to discuss alternative options for keeping your service at a lower price instead of canceling, even if you’re only canceling part of your bundled TV and internet package. You may need to repeat your intention for canceling more than once.
• This also means you may be transferred more than once during your phone call. Stay patient and firm with your desire to cancel and you’ll get through the process quickly enough.
• Those offers for cheaper service may be something you can use to your advantage. Most ISPs would prefer to keep you as a customer, using lower rates as an incentive, than lose you altogether. So don’t be afraid to ask about new customer discounts or negotiate for a reduced monthly charge on your new standalone internet service — you may just luck out and nab some nifty discounts!

Whether canceling online or by phone, the representative working with you should walk you through the process of switching from a TV and internet package to standalone internet service. Afterwards, make sure to return any rented equipment, such as a wi-fi router or cable box, in a timely fashion to avoid any additional fees. You may be able to return these by mail or drop them off at a nearby physical location.

Will I be charged an early termination fee?

If you have an annual contract for your TV and internet package, there is likely a fee that is charged for early cancellation of any active line of service. This may be a monthly amount that covers any remaining months on your current plan or a set amount that’s determined by certain factors. For example, Verizon has different termination fees depending on the type of service you’re canceling: $350 if your contract included the purchase of an advanced device or $175 for other contract terms. An advanced device is a cell phone that has its total price included in your contract’s monthly bill — this is the reason for the higher termination fee.

• Or call Verizon directly at 1-877-291-2818

Verizon’s early termination fees can be reduced depending on how much of your contract has been completed. The $350 advanced device fee will decline by $10 per month once you’ve made it through months seven through 17, $20 per month during months 18 through 22, and $60 after you’ve completed month 23. The $175 fee can be broken down in a similar way: $5 per month upon completion of months seven through 17, $10 per month for months 18-22, and $30 after month 23. Both fees drop to $0 once you’ve completed your contract.

If you have any questions or concerns about early termination fees — or have a headache after trying to calculate the final costs on your own — reach out to your ISP for assistance in zeroing in on the precise amount you may be charged for early cancellation.

Is it cheaper to cut the cord?

These days, streaming may be a more budget-friendly option than cable TV — but that ultimately depends on your viewing preferences. One 2017 study found that more than 48% of Americans spend between $50 and $100 on cable and/or satellite services per month. A more recent report in 2021 found that more than 80% of Americans spend around $116 per month on cable and internet bundle expenses.

When compared to these numbers, many standalone internet plans shine as a much cheaper alternative. If you want to cut the cord and switch solely to streaming, some cheap internet services that can save you money over the cost of cable TV include:

• Verizon Fios with plans starting at $25 per month
• Xfinity with plans starting at $30 per month
• Cox Communications with plans starting at $35 per month
• Frontier with plans starting at $40 per month
• Spectrum with plans starting at $50 per month